Head of the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation and member of the board of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Anders Larsson expressed his support for the extension of the ban on the participation of the national teams of Russia and Belarus in international competitions for the 2024/2025 season.

According to him, this decision was necessary in the current situation. Larsson also expressed joy that there is now clarity about next season’s hockey events, such as the Beijer Hockey Games, the NHL Four Nations Tournament and the 2025 World Cup in Stockholm, which promise plenty of podium finishes for the Swedes.

“It’s nice that we now know the conditions for next season, when we have a fantastic spring of hockey ahead of us,” Larsson said.

The decision taken in the spring of 2022 to ban the participation of Russian and Belarusian national teams in international competitions caused discussions in the hockey community. Many federations supported this decision, considering it necessary in light of the existing situation. However, there are other opinions on this issue, and discussions continue.